The biopic portrays Kossak’s dedication to studying wildlife and her decision to abandon urban life in Kraków for a more untamed existence.
A life among the wild
Simona Kossak, who hailed from a family of celebrated painters, rejected the artistic traditions of her lineage to pursue her passion for nature. In an interview with Polish Radio, Kossak explained the roots of her connection to the natural world, recounting her upbringing in a city garden teeming with insects, mice, and snails.
"From childhood, I had the conviction that I wouldn’t live on pavement. No asphalt, no sidewalks—it had to be a forest. What I’d do there was a secondary matter," Kossak said.
A film highlighting a fraction of her story
Directed and written by Adrian Panek, the film stars Sandra Drzymalska as Kossak, Jakub Gierszał as her partner Lech Wilczek, and Agata Kulesza as her mother, Elżbieta Kossak.
While Simona Kossak offers insight into her life and relationships, Anna Kamińska, author of the biography Simona, cautions that the film only scratches the surface of her achievements.
“I would encourage adults bringing children or young people to see the film to first share the story of her accomplishments—her role as a pioneer in ethical methods of animal research and trapping, and her efforts to popularize nature,” Kamińska said.
Kossak’s groundbreaking work in the Białowieża Forest made her an icon in environmental advocacy. Her studies not only advanced knowledge of wildlife but also promoted a deeper understanding of ethical conservation methods.
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Source: IAR